People have a wide variety of needs and expectations when it comes to training at the gym. For example, weight reduction is the top priority for some, while others want to build and shape their muscles. In addition, the goals can differ in terms of your level of detail. There is a huge difference between the general desire to increase muscle mass and the goal of increasing the circumference of the upper arm by 3 cm within the next six months.
When a new customer starts training in the studio, it is very important to clarify the individual needs in the initial conversation in order to subsequently determine the training goals. When determining the goals, it is particularly important to ensure that they are clearly formulated and measurable. In this way, the training plan can include milestones that will help you get closer and closer to your training goal without losing motivation.
Objective setting using the example of weight reduction
In the past, the body mass index (BMI) was often used as an evaluation standard for health and body weight. The interpretation of this indicator is problematic, as it does not take into account the ratio of muscle and fat that makes up the weight. Two people with the same body weight can have completely different training and fitness levels.
A suitable analysis parameter for monitoring the training progress is the body fat percentage. This indicates what percentage of the total weight is fat mass. If the primary training goal is to lose weight, this indicator should therefore increasingly decrease. This also allows a much more differentiated view when assessing body weight. Thus, it is also a training success if the weight is not reduced within one week, but in return the body fat percentage decreases by 0.5%. It is best for the trainer, after choosing the appropriate parameters, to talk to his clients at fixed intervals about the achievement of stage goals and motivate them to stick to the training plan.
Measurable goals motivate and increase customer satisfaction
If customers achieve their milestones, this has a positive effect on their training diligence and satisfaction. And this can even have a positive effect on the growth of your gym's membership. After all, happy customers are happy to pass on their positive experiences to family and friends. Personal and accompanying customer care with the use of measurable goals pays off!
Published on: 30 December 2013